New
in Newport
Friday, October 10th, 2025
Good morning, Newport. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 10th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Citizens, nonprofit reps and city officials met on Oct 1 at the Newport Public Library for a Tree and Open Space workshop that focused on updating the city's parks, trees and open spaces. They used red & blue sticky notes to rank urgent needs such as dog park upgrades and investments in the John H. Chafee recreation area, and final recommendations will be voted on by the commission next month before moving to city council. Newport This Week
- ➤ What'sUpNewp introduced a new Newport-themed brain teaser called Wordy—players have five tries to guess a five-letter word linked to recent local news. The game gives clues after each guess and lets users share their results on social media. What's Up Newp
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Newport Restaurant Group opened J.T. Commons in Middletown on Thursday in the old Foodlove Market space. The pizza-focused restaurant, led by Executive Chef Walter Slater, serves Roman and focaccia pizzas—along with appetizers, sandwiches and a soft-serve ice cream bar—while offering a bar, dining room, patio and takeout section. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Horizon Pharmacy secured a $400,000 loan from the Rhode Island Foundation’s Impact Investing program to expand its prescription services and strengthen partnerships with Newport Mental Health and other community organizations. The funding will boost capacity and help nearly 1,000 clients receive subsidized care through improved behavioral health services. What's Up Newp
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ John Bliss House — one of Newport’s oldest stone-enders built between 1680 and 1715 — was added to the National Register of Historic Places after owners Ryan and Monika Miller led its nomination effort. The house served as a British garrison during the Revolutionary War and now welcomes visitors by appointment. The Newport Daily News
- ➤ Overlap gallery will host Forging Freedom: Atlantic Journeys, an exhibition by 10 contemporary artists, with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 112 Van Zandt Ave & proceeds benefiting Newport Historical Society’s Edward W. Kane and Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History; the show runs through Dec. 20 and a curator talk by Dr. de Barros Gomes is scheduled for Dec. 6. What's Up Newp
- ➤ Newport Contemporary Ballet is updating its plan for a new facility at the former Triplett School on Broadway as rising construction costs and economic shifts lead the company to adjust its design and consider shared performance space with local arts groups — it has secured a $2M grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts that will be released in 2026 once matching funds are raised. Newport This Week
- ➤ This weekend Newport offers a busy lineup of events from Oct. 9 through Oct. 13—residents can attend live music, heritage tours, public meetings, and seasonal festivals at local venues. The schedule features family-friendly activities and community programs that provide plenty of choices for every interest. What's Up Newp
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A national study by the National Independent Venue Association shows that Rhode Island's independent live entertainment industry drives $138.2 million in GDP and supports more than 2,300 jobs. The report found that seven certified venues generated $287.7 million in total economic output and $12.9 million in tax revenue while nearly 350,000 fans attended events annually. What's Up Newp
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Newport Public Schools' latest RICAS tests show that 44% of students did not meet expectations in English Language Arts—up from 42% last year—and math scores fell with 43% not meeting standards—far above state averages. Only 0.4% of students exceeded expectations in English, down from 1.2% last year. Newport This Week
- ➤ Middletown Schools saw test score improvements on the 2024-25 Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment Survey; the average ELA score rose to 495 from 493 while 58.9% of third graders met or exceeded expectations—above the state average. Nearly 75 teachers completed a multilingual training program as part of the district's effort to boost both English and math results, with math proficiency climbing to 56%. Newport This Week
- ➤ Superintendent Colleen Burns Jermain urged Newport parents to make daily education a priority at home—she said asking questions about homework and class challenges will help students succeed. Her message follows improvements in RICAS and SAT scores and highlights free Khan Academy resources to boost math and literacy skills. What's Up Newp
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina received approval from the Planning Board for a major renovation that will add 31 new rooms and expand its footprint by about 50 percent. The project will include an elevated plaza for retail and meeting space and create 250 yards of public access along the waterfront — connecting Bowen’s Wharf with Long Wharf. Newport This Week
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Last month, Rogers High varsity football and girls soccer teams rode a luxury bus provided by Designate-a-Driver and watched an educational video on distracted driving. Christopher Gray, a Rogers High alumnus who restarted the program in 2023, is seeking local business sponsors to expand the service—helping students in Newport—through enhanced after-school transport options. Newport This Week
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Jim Robitaille: Tom Casale Quartet Concert
6-10 p.m. — Borealis Coffee Company — Admission details TBD — Experience a night of captivating guitar music from award-winning composer Jim Robitaille.
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2025 Amica Newport Marathon
7:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Easton's Beach — Registration fees apply — Experience the breathtaking oceanfront scenery at this award-winning marathon.
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NEHRA's Annual Conference
9 AM – 10 AM — Newport Harbor Island Resort — Registration required — A vibrant gathering for HR professionals to deepen their connections and enhance their skills.
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Fall for Lucy's Hearth
6-9 p.m. — Newport Art Museum — Supporting families experiencing homelessness — An evening benefiting a vital local shelter and transitional housing program.
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Harvest Festival Weekend
4-6 p.m. — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Celebrate the fall harvest with wine tastings and festive activities.
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Welcome to the New in Newport, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Newport, Rhode Island community. If you like the New in Newport, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Newport.
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